Francis M. Lauer, 87, of Deadwood, SD passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2016, at Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City, SD.

Francis Mathew Lauer was born on July 30, 1929, in Deadwood, SD a son of Dess and Rose Lauer. Francis had an older sister, Helen and a younger sister, Florence. He grew up in Deadwood where he attended school, graduating from Deadwood High School. Following high school Francis enlisted in the United States Army and served in post war Germany and Korea. After his discharge he returned to Deadwood and 1956, Francis and Joann Simons were married at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Deadwood. Francis worked in an open air market and drove a produce truck. Francis would eventually work for Homestake where he worked in the saw mill at Spearfish and late transferring to the gold mine at Lead working as a hoist operator. He worked for Homestake until his retirement. Francis later married Shirley Black, and they have continued to make Deadwood their home until his passing.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Black; children, John (Tammy) Lauer and their children, Michael Lauer and Shelby Lauer; Diann Lauer; Kay McCarty and her son, Robbie (Katie) Lauer; Ellen Sandidge and her sons, William (Vicki) Sandidge and Charlie Sandidge; Mary Burns (Matt Fortier) and their children, Lillie Fortier, Alvena Fortier, Elwood (Angel) Clark and Matthew Fortier; Jo Marie (Michael) Lewis and their children, Monica (Artie) Jenson, Thereasa (Matt) Kapust and Jeremy Lewis; 15 great-grandchildren; step-children, Stanley (Sue) Parsons, Bill (Patsy) Parsons, David Parson, Rob (Linda) Brady and Howell (Joyce) Binkley; step-grandchildren, Britney (Alex) Marus, Nic Parsons and Willow Parsons; and six step great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Helen and a grandson, Mathew Fortier.

Visitation will be 5PM to 7PM Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Deadwood with a Rosary and Vigil Service at 7PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10AM, Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at the church. Rite of Committal will be Thursday at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD.